Carlos Santana Ignites Hertz Arena — Estero, FL
A strong midweek crowd turned out at Hertz Arena as Carlos Santana delivered a disciplined, groove-centric performance built on Latin rock foundations and fluid improvisation. The arena setting was expansive, but the musical focus remained precise and controlled.
Carlos Santana - photo by Johnny Giles
Santana’s guitar tone—clean, sustained, and lyrical—anchored the night. His phrasing carried a vocal quality, cutting through a dense rhythmic bed driven by dual drummers and layered percussion. The result was a consistent, forward-moving groove that defined the pacing of the set.
Carlos Santana - photo by Johnny Giles
Early momentum came from “Soul Sacrifice,” “Jingo,” and “Evil Ways,” establishing both tempo and intent. “Black Magic Woman” flowed seamlessly into “Gypsy Queen,” offering dynamic contrast and measured restraint. “Oye Como Va” shifted the arena into full audience participation, while “Maria Maria” and “Foo Foo” added modern rhythmic textures.
Carlos Santana - photo by Johnny Giles
Mid-set, the band expanded into deeper cuts and extended passages. “Everybody’s Everything” featured a standout saxophone moment, while “Europa” slowed the pace, allowing Santana’s melodic phrasing to take center stage. “She’s Not There” and “Hold On” bridged classic rock and radio-era Santana, before “The Game of Love” and “Yaleo” reintroduced a more contemporary energy.
Cindy Blackman Santana - photo by Johnny Giles
The closing stretch maintained control and cohesion. “Put Your Lights On” and “Corazón Espinado” carried strong crowd response, leading into a visual transition with “Sentient” before the final run. “Toussaint L’Overture” delivered one of the night’s most extended instrumental sections, and the band introduction fed directly into “Smooth,” closing the set with a familiar, high-energy finish.
Paoli Mejías - photo by Johnny Giles
The performance was structured, deliberate, and musically focused—an arena show driven by groove, tone, and ensemble precision rather than excess.
Setlist
Soul Sacrifice
Jingo
Evil Ways
Black Magic Woman
Gypsy Queen
Oye Como Va
Maria Maria
Foo Foo
Everybody’s Everything / Benny Solo
Hope You’re Feeling Better
Europa
She’s Not There
Hold On
The Game of Love
Yaleo
Put Your Lights On
Corazón Espinado
— Sentient (video interlude) —Toussaint L’Overture / Cindy Solo
Band Introduction / Smooth
Band (touring lineup):
• Carlos Santana — lead guitar
• Cindy Blackman Santana — drums
• Benny Rietveld — bass
• David K. Mathews — keyboards
• Karl Perazzo — percussion
• Paoli Mejías — percussion
• Ray Greene — vocals
• Andy Vargas — vocals
• Tommy Anthony — guitar, vocals
